James Van Der Beek Reveals Cancer Diagnosis
Movieguide® Contributor
James Van Der Beek is sharing his regrets about how he went about revealing his colorectal cancer diagnosis.
“It is cancer…Each year, approximately 2 billion people around the world receive this diagnosis. And I’m one of them,” Van Der Beek, 47, announced on Instagram on Nov. 3. “There’s no playbook for how to announce these things, but I’d planned on talking about it at length with People magazine at some point soon…to raise awareness and tell my story on my own terms. But that plan had to be altered early this morning when I was informed that a tabloid was going to run with the news.”
“[I’ve] been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before,” he continued, “I’m in a good place and feeling strong. It’s been quite the initiation, and I’ll tell you more when I’m ready.”
He acknowledged that the events were out of his control and apologized to those who had to find out through the tabloid.
“Apologies to all the people in my life who I’d planned on telling myself. Nothing about this process has occurred on my preferred timeline…But we roll with it, taking each surprise as a signpost, pointing us toward a greater destiny than we would have discovered without divine intervention,” Van Der Beek said. “Please know that my family and I deeply appreciate all the love and support. More to come …”
The actor shared his statements with a slide of photos of himself and his kids to the tune of “Autumn Breeze.”
Several celebrities responded, including Rachel Zoe: “Love You and your most beautiful family so very much and sending all the love strength and healing ❤️?.”
Yvette Nicole Brown said, “Praying for you and your beautiful family, James. And I’m sorry you didn’t get to tell the world when you wanted to.”
USA TODAY noted that rates of cancer in young people keep going up. It reported colorectal cancer is one of 17 kinds of cancer that is on the rise for Gen X and millennials, in particular.
Van Der Beek told PEOPLE, “I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” he said in an exclusive statement. There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”
James Van Der Beek recently opened up about how his family’s move to Texas has brought them closer together — and closer to nature…
READ MORE: JAMES VAN DER BEEK PRIORITIZES FAMILY TIME ABOVE RETURN TO HOLLYWOOD
As Van Der Beek pursues treatment, he’s also actively working. He recently made an appearance in an episode of WALKER. On Nov. 29th, his new movie, SIDELINE: THE QB AND ME, will come out on Tubi.
“Next month, Van Der Beek is set to appear on The Real Full Monty, a two-hour special where a group of male celebrities including Taye Diggs, Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones and longtime Dancing with the Stars judge Bruno Tonioli will strip down to raise awareness for prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer testing and research,” PEOPLE added.
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